[Knicksboy34Participant]

Going into the 2009 NBA season, I wanna drop 5 things going into the NBA season you need to know.

1. Expect Alot of Trades- With 26 teams over the cap and 13 teams over the Lux Tax, Expect alot of deals to go down. Many teams will make deals and try to get some cap relief and that mean alot of teams will add bad contracts.

2. Tracy McGrady: MVP?- Yes, he will be the MVP. But not on the court, but for 23 million dollars in his final deal.Many teams will be looking to add him and don’t be shocked if Houston gets a 1st round pick

3. The Real Biggest FA in 2010- His name is Rajon Rondo. LeBron and other Big FA’s Will sign a 6 year deal at season’s end. Rondo who is a RFA, may go back to Boston but I would be shocked if someone didn’t give him a Big Offer sheet.

4. The East turns the Tide- The East is young. Besides the Celtics, Not One team is “old” all these teams will be making turnarounds and don’t be surprised if the East is gonna be the Division to watch near the end of the season.

5. The Biggest Sleepers in the NBA- Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors.

Toronto- They have a Orlando Feel to them. Bosh ( who gained 30 pounds) will be your big man. Bargnani and Hedo are your shooters, Calderon will be your passer and DeRozan will add a big defender in his 1st year. Jack, Evans, Wright and Buckner will be contribute.

Golden State- Monta Ellis missed 30 games last year. He will be 18-10 guy next season. Jackson and Maggette will boast this team. Wright and Biedrens will fix the D and provide some rebounding. Randolph will not start and instead will be the running mate with Curry off the bench.

Tell me what you think…

[llperez]

I agree with 1 and 5. Lots of trades and both Toronto and GState can be big suprises this year.

But I’m not sure Tmac get’s traded. The Rockets are in great position for next years free agency and trading TMac to bring on longer deals might hurt what they want to do long term.

I’m not as high on Rondo as most people. I think he will get a long term deal for like 10 mill per, but nowhere near a max deal offer from anyone.

The east is improving and young, but the west is still in the lead. 4 through 8 is still a big advantage out west and the western non playoff teams like Clippers, GState, Thunder, and Phoenix are also all making some good moves just like their eastern counterparts.

[ckowalskiParticipant]

I wouldn’t be surprised if McGrady got dealt but I think it takes either 2 rotation players and a 1st round pick or 2 1st round picks and a rotation player. I like him going to Utah. Utah needs an upgrade at SG. Utah could offer Kirilenko, Harpring and New York’s 1st rounder. Not sure if the salaries work. I think with Yao and Tmac out Houston will be looking to add 2 players at least through the draft next year, an acquired 1st round pick and no doubt their own lottery pick would be a huge help.

Rondo will follow the money, he is still young and he already has a ring. If Boston matches an offer sheet I think he requests a trade, especially if they lose KG again for the postseason.

If Odom goes to Miami then the East might turn the tide, but they are top heavy. The West has good teams throughout, although the East has been getting better. I think in the West you have quite a few teams that could challenge the Eastern Conference Champion but in the East the consensus seems to be that if the Lakers come out of the West only Boston can challenge them, and possibly Orlando.

I agree with your sleepers, but I would add Houston to the list. I don’t think they will be the cakewalk team that everyone has them pegged for. They will most likely be in the lottery but they will fight for 4 quarters every night.

[McWinningParticipant]

i think Rondo might get a long term deal but hes overrated. because of his lack of a jump shot hes not more than a 3rd option. he thrives with the Celtics where everyones focused on the Big Three. he could just be another player whos given a huge deal and is dissapointing.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

My thing is this on Rajon Rondo.

Most people will see Jason Kidd in him. His ability to rebound and pass will allow teams to look past the fact he can’t shoot. If you have alot of good options on a team who you know can score, Rondo would be a perfect fit.

Think the 02 Nets.

[McWinningParticipant]

Kidd had a better jumpshot, and its unfair to compare somone to Kidd hes one of the best ever!

[Killer_kat12345Participant]

I agree with you on the comment that Toronto will make a huge splash this year, and surprise many….
But I think you have Devean George confused with Greg Buckner.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

Yea but on the Nets, Kidd mostly had to pass and rebound. The Talent around him allow his weakness of shooting to be a small weakness. Rondo ( if he goes to another team) would do just that. He would playmake more and be the guy to attack the basket.

I’m not comparing him to Kidd Overall, I’m comparing him to Kidd in that situation.

[McWinningParticipant]

if he has attention on him i dont think hell be that good.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

No, I think that added Buckner in that deal. I think the Raptors would use Buckner as a defender to 2’s and 3’s while George would be more shooter/slasher who can give you 6-13 a night.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

1. I agree.

2. There’s a chance Houston trades Tracy McGrady, but I don’t think they will. I think they’ll go ahead and let his contract expire.

3. I disagree… No way in the world Rajon Rondo gets the max. He’ll get paid well, but not the max.

4. I disagree… The West is still the best by far, while the East is top heavy (Cleveland, Boston and Orlando).

5. I agree w/ everything except Monte Ellis averaging 10 assists.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

if he has attention on him

Name the last PG who had all the focus on him?

[McWinningParticipant]

Chris Paul.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

Chris Paul has David West and had Tyson Chandler…The Lack of a SG make you think he’s doing it alone…

[McWinningParticipant]

this year he had to do it alone pretty much.

[bluedevils12Participant]

1 and 4. I agree fully with both of those. Idk about the sleeper picks tho. I honestly feel the sleepr in the west will be the clippers.The guys jus have a talented roster and the bench has gotten improved. if not 4 injuries look out becuz these guys may shock some people. And from the east i feel washington will be the team instead of toronto. I feel like turk peaked last year and he had the perfect offense in orlando 4 his game. I see turk having a less successful year this year. But i feel washington will be healthy and with the trade they made earlier for randy foye and mike miller they are jus bolstering their team for success

[Knicksboy34Participant]

People are getting 4 all wrong.

I think the East will have alot of drama going down. Yes the East have 3 Championship teams but so do the West. After that, in the next couple of years, you will see a decline in the west. The East will show this season, they will be the best conference for a good time.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

Key word was this year. Chandler missed 50 games…No PG in the NBA does it alone.

[McWinningParticipant]

lol i meant more had a lot of focus on him.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

Yea a little bit. The Issue is Chris Paul has no SG to pass to. It looks as if Paul had to do alot. Posey and Peterson did very well to help him but they were #3 options. David West is a #3 who looks good with CP3.

[McWinningParticipant]

how is this proving you’re point?

[Knicksboy34Participant]

Because CP3 wasn’t doing it alone his whole career. He never had a SG next to him so it’s looks as if he is but he has help. Not the greatest help but solid help.

[McWinningParticipant]

how does that help Rondo?

[Knicksboy34Participant]

what do you mean?

[McWinningParticipant]

never mind. my point is Rondos weknesses are hidden behind a great Celtics team but if leaves theill be exposed.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

I doubt it. If He goes to a good team, he could be really good. I think he is a top 5 PG. Boston know that and if they have too will pay big money to keep him.

[Toronto16Participant]

I agree with most of what you said, but with 23 million coming off the books, no way Houston trades that expiring contract of T-Mac.

With the struggling economy Wade, Bosh and Lebron probably sign extensions. But 6 years for Lebron? I doubt it, he loses that leverage to hold his team hostage to win or he’s out. I say the most is a 3 year extension.

Toronto will definitely suprise a lot of doubters. But they didn’t get Buckner.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

1. Agree
2. Agree- That expiring contract is very valuable. Not sure if they trade TMac or not.
3. Disagree.. Rondo won’t get a max deal. He isn’t the top FA…not even close. What about LeBron, Wade, Dirk, Amare, Bosh, Boozer,Joe Johnson etc..ha I do think Rondo will leave Boston.
4. Neutral- I feel the East & West are pretty even top to bottom now. I think they stay that way for the next couple years.
5. Agree somewhat- I think Anthony Randolph will start. As for the Raptros I do think they will make the playoffs but Wright, George, & Buckner are all garbage and are not factors.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

NO 3 year extension for LBJ.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

IMO, Either Lebron remains in Cleveland or goes the Knicks (No Bias on this one)

[RickyRubio9Participant]

stuff, but I think Houston is holding onto McGrady

[quincey hodges]

for one chris paul didnt do it alone he had a allstar on his team named david west. 2. i recall tony parker making the all star team and dominating games with out a jump shot( he just started to hit his jumper) and since this will be rondos 3rd year im not to worried about him getting a jumper im sure it will come…just think hes scores all thoses points in his second year without a jumper. You cant take away from the fact he can get by any pg and get in the lane and score

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

Couple things, the rockets better get a lottery first rounder and a YOUNG rotation player for McGrady… what contenders have lottery picks? Who even has enough cap room to absorb tmac’s contract? Will the rotation player be overpaid if his salary matches with Tmac?

i agreed with most of what you said, but whatever you’re trying to prove about CP3 not being in the spotlight- you’re going in circles. you’re saying he’s not in the spotlight cuz he has guys to help him. then you’re saying theyre all 3 options… which is exactly why people are saying the spotlight is on him because he’s the key to everything they do.

The reality is that most guys are more likely than not just gonna sign with their teams because it’s the most money that can be offered! Knciksboy, i don’t know if you’ve ever said this before, but i bet you’d LOVE to see rondo sign a max deal with the knicks in 2010.

To me, LBJ, wade, dirk, those 3 are all resigning. That second layer is not as deep as we think and I think rondo is on it. Someone’s gonna max out to get him… he’ll probably choose between multiple max offers and he’d fit well in NY

[sameolGParticipant]

Lol @ T-Mac being MVP

[McWinningParticipant]

getting a jumpshot isnt as easy as it sounds. Parker has started doing better sice he got it, but Rondo might might have more trouble with his.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

I would like to see Rondo in NY but not for the max.

The Team I could see adding McGrady is Washington

[Knicksboy34Participant]

but Rondo might might have more trouble with his.

Why?

[McWinningParticipant]

you seem to forget that Parker had two stas Ginoble, and Duncan to cover up his weak jumpshot. Rondo has the same thing right now but if he leaves his jumpshot will be exposed.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

Yea but alot of teams know he cannot shoot now, he attacks the basket

[McWinningParticipant]

hes alot better jumpshooter now. and Rondos good at attacking the basket but Parkers probably the best pick and roll point guard in the league.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

True, plus Parker uses a teardrop.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

I wouldn’t offer a max deal for Rondo. He will never be a consistent shooter IMO. I think the Knicks would be better off getting Sessions or Felton at a cheaper price than Rondo.

I couldn’t see Washington trading for McGrady. Working out a trade would be too difficult. The Wizards wouldn’t give up Arenas or Butler. Washington just doesn’t have enough value after that to offer Houston a good deal.

[McWinningParticipant]

thats my point Parkers a much better driver than Rondo.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

Parkers a much better driver than Rondo- No he is not. I rather have Rondo over Parker.

Washington can make a deal for McGrady, it would involve most likely a 3rd team and alot of pick swapping.

[McWinningParticipant]

Parkers has the best teardrop and is robably the best pick and roll point guard in the league.

[xbadgerhustlerParticipant]

gator, i’d say you over value shooting, if that’s possible (evidenced by your affection for Morrow and Curry, and the comment on not giving Rondo a max deal solely based on the fact he will never be a consistent shooter.)

Rondo can take over a game… to me, anybody who can control the game like he can, deserves a max deal. He is EVERYWHERE on the court

[Knicksboy34Participant]

Parkers has the best teardrop and is robably the best pick and roll point guard in the league.

Maybe but Rondo has more upside and I think he is like Jason Kidd. He can pass and rebound very well. His jumper is not the greatest right now but he is 23 and if he leaves I think he increases his shooting %

[gatorheelsParticipant]

“affection for Morrow & Curry”

xbadger- hahaha man I am not even a Curry fan honestly. I agree about Morrow though. I just don’t see Rondo getting a max deal it isn’t solely based on his shooting. I just think with the economy as well as the fact that there are better free agents than him in 2010. I don’t see a team spending crazy money for him but I could easily be wrong. Rondo is a solid PG. I would take Parker over Rondo though.

Knicksboy- the Rockets are going to want some quality players in return for McGrady as well as draft pick(s). The Wizards could offer them a 1st round pick, Haywood, Miller, & Young but the salaries don’t match up. Also I don’t think Houston would be interested in Jamison. But yeah if a 3rd team got involved I could see a deal going down.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

I knew a guy that played for Kentucky with Rondo…. he said Rondo has the sickest handles.. Rondo can do some crazy stuff. I think he would be better off going to another team truthfully. The Celtics system is holding him back. Tubby Smith at Kentucky definitely held him back.

[Knicksboy34Participant]

Hold on Gator I’ll make a deal in a sec

[McWinningParticipant]

what?

[Knicksboy34Participant]

nvm, i could not find a good deal.

[McWinningParticipant]

for what?

[Knicksboy34Participant]

Tracy McGrady

[McWinningParticipant]

oh.

[Author]

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